Publicly Owned Industry (Employees)

HC Deb 30 July 1984 vol 65 c40W

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will specify, for each publicly owned industry and corporation for which he is responsible, the number of employees at the time of its passing into public ownership or in 1954, whichever is the later, and the number of employees currently, in each case showing the percentage change.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The information requested is as follows:

minerals. It is proposed to hold discussions with the mining industry on the need for a mineral exploration grants scheme to continue, and if so on what basis.

The aim will be to ensure that any revised scheme will be more selective, easier to administer, and involve less potential public expenditure than the current scheme. Grants on the current basis will of course continue to be made in respect of projects for which offers have already been made.

I expect to make a further announcement in November.